Radio controlled vehicle racing a boom to families and communities

Saturday, May 21st 2005, 12:41 pm

By: News On 6

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) _ Gripping the wheel, the racer's knuckles go white with desire as their vehicles explode off the starting line like a slug from a .45 _ this is racing, only on a one-tenth scale.

Radio controlled vehicle racing is taking hold in eastern Oklahoma, with one race track already open in Tahlequah and another on the way in Muskogee.

The R/C race tracks not only give people something to do, it may also gives the local economies a shot in the arm, with racers coming from all over the state and out of state.

Randy Gibson, director of the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce, said the people the track brings in will help local businesses.

``I think it's going to be a big boost,'' Gibson said. ``It's a really neat track. Supposedly, there's a lot of call for that. I think it's going to bring a lot more people from Muskogee and Wagoner. It's quite a big deal.''

Jimmy-J Ballard, owner of Liberty R/C Raceway in Tahlequah, said people of any age will enjoy R/C racing.

``If you're old enough to hold a controller and turn a wheel, you're old enough to start racing,'' Ballard said. ``If you like cars and going fast and having fun, this is a good hobby.''

The Tahlequah racetrack features two dirt tracks and is capable of having off-road races. Ballard also owns a hobby shop with R/C cars, parts and accessories for sale.

Ballard said he was looking for an original idea for a business and decided to open the raceway, currently the closest one that is fully operational is in Broken Arrow.

R/C racing is a family event, Ballard said.

``I've been beaten by an 8-year-old,'' Ballard said. ``I hope it brings families to do something together. All different ages do it. Moms can come out with their kids and do it, grandparents can come with their grandkids and fathers can come with their sons and daughters. Instead of sitting in front of the television, getting out and having fun. It's a good family environment.''

Many R/C racers are serious about the sport, with some vehicles that run on special fuel mixtures, have gear ratio and other adjustments and even company sponsorship.

``It's one-tenth the scale, but you've got factory-sponsored drivers,'' Ballard said.

Muskogee is currently in the process of getting its own R/C racetrack at the fairgrounds.

``People have been doing this for years,'' said Milo Ketchum, owner of Tailgate Tools and Hobbies. ``It's an international sport. I've had people coming in holding their mamma's hand and old guys with gray ponytails. It's an all-ages sport and a safe sport.''

Ketchum said people have been extremely interested in becoming part of the R/C race organization he started, Tailgaters, with around 200 people signed up so far.

Construction on the track is expected to begin in about a week, and is estimated to be completed in June, Ketchum said.

The track will be open year round, seven days a week, Ketchum said.

``It brings out the kids,'' Ketchum said. ``Two things guys never outgrow is the need for toys and tools.''